Valverde refusal may have hindered Real Madrid move for Rodri | OneFootball

Fede Valverde refused to leave Real Madrid in the summer 2026 window, a stance that may have shaped the club’s pursuit of Rodri.

Defensa Central reported that Madrid explored selling Valverde, but the Uruguay international insisted on fulfilling his contract, which runs to 2029, and would not depart under any circumstances.

Earlier in the season, Valverde was involved in a heated clash with Aurelien Tchouameni that left him in hospital. He was diagnosed with a concussion, missed several matches, then returned in the final rounds of La Liga with a small bandage on his forehead.

Real Madrid opened a disciplinary investigation into both players and imposed fines of up to 500,000 euros, described as unprecedented at the club. The pair faced heavy criticism and some fans called for summer exits, but Jose Mourinho welcomed the chance to keep Valverde and Aurelien in his squad.

Rodri said: "From my position, I have to say that Real Madrid showed their interest from the very first moment, and that they handled things perfectly, and the offers made were aimed at signing the player, and I want to make that clear as well." The interview was with Cadena Cope.

Mourinho has also stated that Madrid pushed hard to sign Rodri, with the player’s hesitation the obstacle to a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”